While the Cleveland Cavaliers have hung outside of the NBA spotlight, the talk of the NBA town over the past few days and weeks has been the saga of DeAndre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns. From centerpiece in a Kevin Durant trade to coveted restricted free agent, it seemed exceedingly likely that Ayton would not play another game for the Suns.
That inexplicable reality has hung in limbo since the start of NBA Free Agency, as the Durant trade request had frozen the restricted free agent market, including Ayton. Then things suddenly took off in recent days, as rumors turned into reality when the Indiana Pacers signed Ayton to a four-year, $133 million offer sheet on Thursday night.
Phoenix then immediately matched the sheet, ensuring that Ayton would remain in Phoenix. Suddenly all of the potential trade scenarios for Ayton, with the center landing everywhere from Atlanta to Utah to San Antonio, were snuffed out. Ayton remains with the contending Suns, and the rest of the league now has to move on.
When DeAndre Ayton signed his offer sheet Thursday night, it sent shockwaves all the way to the Cavs and their own free agent, Collin Sexton
Although this move has the biggest implications for the Suns and Pacers, the DeAndre Ayton offer sheet actually has quite the impact on the Cavs as well. Why does the move matter for Cleveland and their own restricted free agent, Collin Sexton, and what moves could be in store in the coming days?